Ford Focus (third generation)

Reliability issues

Along with the Ford Fiesta, the Focus equipped with the Ford PowerShift transmission has received much criticism due to transmission shuddering, including several lemon law claims. The issue is due to the dry type clutches associated with petrol models. Ford's current response is to replace the clutch pack assembly (with the same parts) when shuddering exceeds 250 rpm (upon customer complaint). This is proving to be a short term remedy as it is not unusual for the clutch packs to be replaced every 6,000 miles (9,700 km). As of February 2017, the issue of the clutch packs remains unresolved.

Design

The design was built on Ford's Kinetic Design. The lights at the front have a different shape. The trapezoidal grille has triangular features. At the rear, the hatchback tail lights are positioned lower, similar to the Ford Fiesta. The interior has been changed from the second generation in the NA and International versions. Ford wanted to make the Focus more upmarket so it offers two types of central consoles: the basic is associated with smaller engines and the premium is available to more powerful engines.

This generation of Focus incorporated a redesigned cabin, changed materials, and a new "infotainment" system. Following the industry trend towards decontenting, and in keeping with the sedan's downmarket "economy car" image vs. the "premium" hatchback, the earlier sedan's space-saving gas strut trunk hinges are replaced with cheaper, intrusive goose neck hinges. The Focus also has Ford's patented capless fuel tank, which doesn't require a cap to prevent siphoning.

Production

The Focus is being promoted as a global car, built in several different factories around the world, with changes to engine line-ups and trim levels to suit regional markets and regulations. Production locations include:

North America

Like in most other non-European markets, only the 4-door sedan and 5-door hatchback are offered in the United States and Canada. The EPA rated fuel economy at 28 city/38 hwy MPG for the 6-speed automatic, and 26 city/ 36 hwy MPG for the 5-speed manual. The SFE package, which can only be added to the sedan SE trim with PowerShift semi-automatic dual-clutch transmission, improves highway fuel economy to 40 MPG. The platform that the new Focus is based on is 25% stronger than the previous North American version.

Engine lineup in North America

The Focus was launched with only one engine option, a 2.0-litre Duratec 20 direct injected, Ti-VCT 4-cylinder, producing 160 hp (119 kW). Mid-2012, Flex Fuel capability was added., except for states in the United States that adhere to partial zero-emissions vehicle regulations. The engine is a derivative of the port fuel-injected 2.0-liter engine in the previous generation Focus. In late 2012, the range was joined by the Focus ST, with a turbocharged 2.0-litre producing 252 hp (188 kW) (available only with a manual transmission).

For the 2015 refresh, the EcoBoost 1.0 litre three-cylinder began to be offered in North America as an extra-cost option.

Trim levels in North America

In North America, the third-generation Ford Focus is available in several trim levels.

The base S trim level is the lowest-priced variant of the Ford Focus, available only as a sedan. Standard equipment is as follows: 2.0-liter DuraTec Inline four-cylinder (I4) engine, five-speed manual transmission, an A/M-F/M stereo with a single-disc CD/MP3 player and auxiliary input, a four-speaker audio system, manual windows, power door locks with keyless entry, fifteen-inch black steel wheels with plastic wheel covers, cloth seating surfaces, manual front seat adjustment, and air conditioning. As a base model, no additional packages are available for the S, though Ford SYNC is available, and adds a USB port to the audio system in the S trim level.

The mid-level SE trim level is the most popular variant of the Ford Focus, available as either a hatchback or a sedan. It adds the following equipment to the base S trim level: an AM-FM stereo with a single-disc CD-MP3 player, 4.2-inch color information screen and Ford SYNC and auxiliary and USB inputs (2013 and newer models only), a six-speaker audio system, power windows and door locks with keyless entry, premium cloth seating surfaces, and sixteen-inch alloy wheels. Additional option packages are available for the SE, which add additional features including a 1.0-liter three-cylinder Ecoboost engine that is exclusive to the SE trim and an automatic transmission.

The upgraded SEL trim level was only available for the 2012 model year, available as either a hatchback or a sedan, and added the following equipment to the mid-level SE trim level: an AM-FM stereo with a single-disc CD-MP3 player, 4.2-inch color information screen and Ford SYNC and auxiliary and USB inputs, seventeen-inch alloy wheels, a power front driver's seat, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Additional option packages were available for the SEL, which added additional features. The SEL trim level was reintroduced for the 2017 model year which features SYNC 3, refreshed smoke black headlights, leather seat trim, black gloss exterior accents, and moonroof.

The top-of-the-line Titanium trim level is available as either a hatchback or a sedan, and adds the following equipment to the mid-level SE and upgraded SEL trim levels: a six-speed automatic transmission, Ford SYNC with MyFord Touch (2012-–015 models) or Ford SYNC with SYNC3 touch-screen infotainment system and eight-inch screen, a Sony premium audio system with amplifier and rear-mounted subwoofer, leather-trimmed seating surfaces with heated front seats, dual power front seats, security system, seventeen-inch alloy wheels, and SiriusXM satellite radio. As the top-of-the-line trim level of the Focus, the Titanium offers few additional packages.

The performance-oriented ST trim level, based on the mid-level SE trim level, is available only as a hatchback, adds nineteen-inch alloy wheels, Recaro front bucket seats, a 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged inline four-cylinder (I4) engine with a six-speed manual transmission, and a unique front clip with body kit. Additional option packages are available for the ST that add additional features. This model does not offer an automatic transmission.

The high-performance RS trim level, based on the top-of-the-line Titanium trim level, is available only as a hatchback adds nineteen-inch alloy wheels, Recaro front bucket seats, a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged inline four-cylinder (I4) engine with a six-speed manual transmission, and all-wheel drive (AWD). The RS offers one additional package, that includes heated mirrors, seats and steering wheel, navigation, power driver seat, and a suede-like inserts for the front seats. Also available are wheel/tire combinations with higher performance or winter tires. This is the only Focus model available with AWD, as all other Focus models are front-wheel drive (FWD). This model does not offer a automatic transmission.

Finally, the Focus Electric is an electric version of the Focus, and is based on the top-of-the-line Titanium trim level. The Focus Electric adds the following equipment to the top-of-the-line Titanium trim level: Eco-friendly recycled cloth seating surfaces (which can be upgraded to eco-friendly leather trim), an electric motor, a single-speed automatic transmission, and exterior charging port. There are no additional packages for the Focus Electric (although GPS navigation is one of the few available options, other than the aforementioned seating upgrade), and the Focus Electric is available nationwide. This model does not offer a manual transmission.

Running changes

Color choices were restricted during summer 2011, due to supply issues caused by the 2011 Japanese earthquake/tsunami. When black and dark blue returned they were replaced by different shades, although the phaseout of Kona Blue in favor of Sonic Blue had been planned.

In January 2012, Ford announced that the formerly automatic-only Titanium model would be offered with a manual transmission. In March 2012, Ford revised the ordering guide for the Titanium models to also have a MyFord Touch delete option, replacing it with the non-touch version of MyFord. Although MyFord Touch is an $995 option on SEL models and the PowerShift automatic a $1095 option on S and SE, no discount is applied to either manual or non-Touch Titanium models.

2013 model year changes for non-STs are; SE models gain standard SYNC and alloy wheels, the SEL trim is discontinued in favor of an "SE Appearance package" that includes most of the SEL features but with standard trim choices limited to black leather, while Titanium models also pick up standard leather upholstery. All now come standard with the 5-speed manual leaving the SFE pack as the last remaining automatic-only Focus (apart from the direct-drive electric), and color choices are rearranged.

Reliability issues

Along with the Ford Fiesta, the Focus equipped with the Ford PowerShift transmission has received much criticism due to transmission shuddering, including several lemon law claims. The issue is due to the dry type clutches associated with petrol models. Ford's current response is to replace the clutch pack assembly (with the same parts) when shuddering exceeds 250 rpm (upon customer complaint).

Ford claims that the transmission, a semi-automatic transmission, is designed to improve fuel economy and has issued several software upgrades for the transmission. To date, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has not required Ford to issue a recall, nor has Ford done so voluntarily. Focus models equipped with the conventional manual transmission have not been affected by the reliability issues.

Europe

The UK range is available in hatchback and estate (wagon) in a large number of trim variants including. Most other European countries, including the Republic of Ireland, also include the four-door saloon, unlike Britain, as previous generation sales did not sell as well in comparison with the hatchback and estate.

Engine lineup in Europe

Asia

In March 2012, the Focus was launched to the ASEAN markets at the Bangkok International Motor Show. The Thailand range included: 1.6 Ambiente, 1.6 Trend, 2.0 Sport 5-door, 2.0 Titanium sedan, 2.0 Sport+ 5-door and 2.0 Titanium+ sedan trim levels, while in Malaysia, there is the 2-liter variants only.

In Taiwan, Assembly started by the end of 2012. 2 petrol engines (1.6L Ti-VCT 125 PS and 2.0L GDI 170 PS) and 1 diesel engine (2.0L TDCi 163 PS) available, all come with PowerShift transmission as the manual transmission model was unavailable. 8 trim levels:
Hatchback: 1.6 Ti-VCT Trend, 2.0 GDI Trend, 2.0 GDI Sport, 2.0 TDCi Sport
Sedan: 1.6 Ti-VCT Ambiente, 1.6 Ti-VCT Trend, 1.6 Ti-VCT GHIA, 2.0 TDCi Trend

In the Korean market, 2.0L TDCi Duratorq Diesel is the only available engine (available in 140 hp and 163 hp configuration), and all come with the PowerShift transmission as the manual transmission model was unavailable. 3 Trim Levels: Trend (140 hp), Sport (163 hp), Titanium (163 hp), all available in both hatchback and sedan body style.

In Japan, the 2.0L Ti-VCT GDI Sport five door hatchback with either the five speed, dual clutch manual transmission, or the six speed "Power Shift" automatic transmission was the only model currently offered. The assembly changed from the Saarlouis Body & Assembly to the AutoAlliance Thailand facility. Its width dimensions at 1,810 mm (71.3 in) are not within the favorable Japanese compact car tax classification.

Australasia

The New Zealand range is available in hatchback, sedan and wagon form. Variants include: Ambiente, Trend, Sport and Titanium. In the 2013 lineup there is one diesel available, in the form of the Trend wagon. This is the Duratorq 2.0-litre TDCi with the six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission. The Australian range is available in hatchback and sedan. Variants include: Trend, Sport, Titanium and ST and the performance oriented RS. In the original lineup a diesel and 3 petrol engines were avalible based on what model, but the updated car has the all of the engines were replaced with the 1.5-litre Ecoboost engine except for the Exclusive engines for the ST and RS variants. The Focus ST, has a 2.0-litre Ecoboost engine that is assembled at Saarlouis Body & Assembly rather than from AutoAlliance Thailand like the other models. The Ford Focus RS cars that had been allocated to Australia and New Zealand were all pre-ordered so quickly that the wait from ordering one at present will take 18 months.

Specifications

5-door hatchback model, availability varies between markets

Facelift (2014–present)

The Ford Focus facelift (Mk 3.5) was shown at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, and features a raft of changes made to both the exterior, interior and engine line up.

Changes include:

Revisions made to the body were thinner and sharper headlights, a new trapezoidal grille, giving the front more sporting intent than the previous model. The new front end is similar to that of the Mondeo as well as the facelifted Fiesta that was introduced in 2013, inspired by the 2011 Ford Evos concept as well as various Aston Martin vehicles. (Ford owns an 8% interest in Aston Martin.) The recently facelifted Ford C-Max and Grand C-Max, the all-new S-Max and Galaxy, have also incorporated the new family face. On Titanium and Titanium X the grille is chrome, and on other versions it is black mesh. The ST features a Black honeycomb grille.The front fog-lights were also changed. At the rear on the hatchback, the rear lights were changed, so that they appear sharper, and less clumsy. The estate and saloon, (saloon is not available in Britain), also had subtle revisions to their rears too.

Inside, the multitude of buttons on the dashboard have been removed, and replaced by an all-new eight-inch touchscreen. The quality of plastics have improved, and the steering wheel is a new three-spoke. Trim levels in the UK consist of Studio, Style (instead of Edge due to the upcoming Ford Mondeo based SUV), Zetec, Zetec S (including special Red and Black editions), Titanium, Titanium X and ST. Trim levels in Europe are similar to the pre-facelift model including Ambiente, Trend, Trend +, Titanium and ST. The new 1.5 TDCi Duratorq diesel (95 and 120 hp) and 1.5 Ecoboost (150 and 180 hp) has been added to the line-up. The 2.0 TDCi Duratorq diesel has been updated to produce 150 and 185 hp.

The new third-generation RS model went on sale in 2016, with pricing from around £31,000 and the new 2.3 Ecoboost from the Ford Mustang, but uprated to produce 350 hp. It was revealed in the flesh at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, and featured at the 2015 Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Mechanical improvements to the facelifted Ford Focus are chassis revisions to all versions, to make the car more planted on the road, and the steering is also sharper than the pre-facelift model, while also offering greater feedback for greater driving pleasure and fun, which has been the trademark of the Focus since it launched back in 1998.

1.0 litre Ecoboost

Award-winning three-cylinder engine is produced in two variants, with 100 and 125 hp (75–93 kW). They both come with 170 newton metres (130 lbf·ft) of torque.

1.6-litre Duratec Ti-VCT

This engine - an updated version of the same engine from the previous model, allowing it to breathe better with improved intake and exhaust manifolds. The improvements also mean that the engine has been updated to EU5 norms. From 2014-2016, the 1.6 Ti-VCT was available in three versions: 85 hp (63 kW), 105 and 125 hp (78–93 kW). The engine was offered even on the facelift as the entry-level engine into the Focus range, but as of 2016 has been discontinued.

1.5-litre Ecoboost

This all-new engine replaces the 1.6-litre Ecoboost with the same power, but with improved economy. The engine comes equipped with either Ford-Getrag's Durashift B6 manual gearbox or with a new non-dual clutch, Torque Converter automatic (6F35) available on the Focus for the first time. In the Focus it is available with 150 and 182 hp (112–136 kW).

2.0 litre EcoBoost

Exclusive to the ST range, this engine continues to produce 250 hp (190 kW), and is available only with the 6-speed manual, producing 360 newton metres (270 lbf·ft) of torque.

2.3-litre Ecoboost

This all-new engine is already used in the new-generation Ford Mustang, and used by the third-generation Focus RS since 2016 with an output of 350 hp (260 kW).

1.6-litre TDCi Duratorq

Just like the petrol Duratec, this diesel engine was upgraded for emissions and economy for the third-generation Focus. It produced 95 hp (71 kW) and 230 newton metres (170 lbf·ft) in the basic version and 115 hp (86 kW) and 270 newton metres (200 lbf·ft) of torque in the more potent version. For the Focus Econetic model, the engine produced 105 hp (78 kW). The engine as of 2016 has been replaced by the 1.5-litre TDCi engine

1.5-litre TDCi Duratorq

An all-new engine as of 2014, replaces the older 1.6-litre Duratorq diesel (despite running side-by-side for a few years) from 2016, and comes in three variants: 95 hp (71 kW) with 250 newton metres (180 lbf·ft) of torque, and 120 hp (89 kW) with 270 newton metres (200 lbf·ft) of torque. An Econetic option is also available, with 105hp, but tuned for economy rather than performance.

2.0-litre TDCi Duratorq

The top of the range diesel engine is highly revised and updated and available with Ford PowerShift transmission, and the 6-speed manual. It now comes in two new versions, 150 hp (110 kW) with 370 newton metres (270 lbf·ft) of torque and 185 hp (138 kW) with 400 newton metres (300 lbf·ft) of torque, the latter also available in the ST.

ECOnetic

The second generation Focus ECOnetic for 2011 includes new technologies as Auto-Start-Stop system, Smart Regenerative Charging, Eco mode, Active Grille Shutter, ultra-low rolling resistance tyres, Shift Indicator Light and revised final drive ratio targeting 95g/km average CO₂ emissions and 80mpg. Third generation Focus ECOnetic will have improved Ford's Duratorq 1.6-litre 105 hp engine with standard coated Diesel particulate filter (cDPF).

Focus Electric

In January 2011 Ford launched its pre-production version based on the Focus Mark III under the new name of Ford Focus Electric at the Consumer Electronics Show, rather than the traditional North American Auto Show. with sales scheduled in the U.S. market by late 2011 and in Europe by 2013. The concept electric car was unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show as the Ford Focus BEV. The Focus BEV was based on the European second generation Focus.

For the Focus Electric, Ford used a complete electric drive train developed and supplied by Magna Steyr, and uses a 23 kWh, liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack, has a range of 100 mi (160 km) on a charge, and a top speed of 84 mph (135 km/h).

The Focus Electric will be built at the Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan on the same line as the gasoline-powered version of the Focus, the C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid and the C-Max Hybrid. Initial production will be limited, with production to be ramped up in 2012.

Ford announced that sales of the Ford Focus BEV are slated for late 2011, and it will be available initially only in 19 metropolitan areas including Atlanta, Houston and Austin, Texas, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, New York City, Orlando, Florida, Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona, Portland, Oregon, Raleigh-Durham, Richmond, Virginia, Seattle, and Washington, D.C.

The Ford Focus Electric was awarded the 2011 Green Car Vision Award at the 2011 Washington Auto Show.

Focus ST

Beginning Summer 2012 (UK)/late 2012 in the US, Ford offered a new performance-oriented hot hatch Focus ST, as first revealed at the 2010 Paris Motor Show and then at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show when more details were announced, including the availability of an estate(wagon) version for European markets, and the possibility of a sports sedan version for North American markets.

The ST features a new, more aggressive exterior design, including a redesigned front bumper with larger air intakes and grille, larger rear wing, wider side sills, center exit exhaust, and alloy wheels. Inside, the car receives a trio of additional gauges mounted in the dashboard, faux-carbon fiber trim, and sport seats with body colored inserts and stitching. The car will be offered three trim options: ST1, ST2 and ST3; the same three options that were available with the MkII ST.

Differences between the US and European models besides the lack of the wagon model outside Europe and Federally-required amber side reflectors are limited to paint and trim: Euro ST1s get all-cloth Recaro seats while U.S.-spec ST1s use the same seats as the 2012 SE Sport Package; Red seat accents on the Recaro seats are not available on American ST2s; Euro ST3s feature a leather Recaro rear seat setup; The rear headrests are different in each market; Red is the only exterior color included in the base price in Europe while yellow is the only extra-cost color in the U.S.; The optional MyFord Touch system that is fitted to ST2/ST3 models in the U.S. is not offered in Europe; The North American ST utilizes a full-size spare tire while the Euro ST features a mini spare or fix-a-flat setup, depending on what audio system is fitted; The Euro ST offers further options (some grouped in option packages) compared to the North American models including: red brake calipers (standard on all ST trim levels in U.S.), pop-out door guards, heated windshield, lane departure system, and active speed limiter; Headlight washers are fitted to the Euro ST3; Only the ST3 model in the United States features the handbrake, armrest, and cup holder design from the Focus Titanium, while all Euro and Canadian Focus STs have that setup; The Euro Focus ST features a height-adjustable front passenger seat.

The ST will use a 252 hp (188 kW) & 366 N·m (270 lb·ft) version of the 4-cylinder 2.0L EcoBoost engine, a gain of 25 hp above the previous Focus ST which used a larger 2.5L 5-cylinder engine. It is resultantly estimated that the ST will reach 100 kilometres per hour (62 mph) in 6.1 seconds, while its top speed will be 248 kilometres per hour (154 mph). Compared to the previous ST, the new model has the same 0 to 100 km/h time and has a 2 mph higher top speed. Another significant improvement is weight; the new car is 30 kilograms (66 lb) lighter than its 5-cylinder powered predecessor.

The ST did feature in the remake of the film The Sweeney, coming out in September 2012. Ford gave six ST-badged Focuses to the production team.

Facelift (Post-2014)

For the facelift for the 2015 model year, the ST will continue with the 250 hp (190 kW) 2.0 litre Ecoboost, in the trim levels ST-1, ST-2 and ST-3. It also remains as a 5-door hatchback, and an estate (wagon). For the first time, a 2.0 litre TDCi Duratorq Diesel engine will debut in the ST – as well as a 6-speed Powershift Automatic gearbox, alongside the standard 6-speed gearbox – to rival the likes of the Volkswagen Golf GTD and the SEAT León FR. In the ST it produces 182 hp (136 kW), and 400 newton metres (300 lbf·ft) of torque. Pricing and badging is the same for both petrol and diesel models.

Focus RS

Following the merger of Ford's North American Special Vehicle Team (SVT), the European TeamRS and the Australian FPV divisions to the development of Ford's global performance vehicles, Ford's Advanced Product Creation and Performance Vehicles director Hermann Salenbauch announced that the decision to sell Ford Focus RS/SVT to North America depended on feedback from the media and customers. However, the product would only appear 2 years after the release of the third generation Focus models. On 4 August 2011 Ford's global boss for small cars, Gunnar Herrmann, revealed to magazine Drive that the third iteration of the hot-hatch was in the works. The new RS was expected to arrive towards the end of 2015 in Europe and the rest of the world; in North America it will arrive after 2015. On 21 January 2015, Ford released a teaser video previewing the 2015 Ford Focus RS and announced a 3 February 2015 web-streaming reveal event from Cologne, Germany. At the 2015 Geneva Motor Show the production ready MKIII Ford Focus RS was unveiled packing the turbocharged 2.3-litre inline-four engine found in the Mustang EcoBoost with over 320 hp (240 kW). In the Focus RS, the engine itself produces 350 hp (260 kW). Power is sent to all four wheels via Ford's all-new Torque-Vectoring All-Wheel-Drive system with a rear drive unit designed by GKN, as well as upgraded suspension and brakes. As well as that, the new Focus RS will be fitted with Drive Modes – including an industry-first Drift Mode that allows controlled oversteer drifts – and Launch Control. The RS will boast a model specific aerodynamic package that helps to differentiate it from other Focus models. The RS is capable of accelerating to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.7 seconds.

Marketing

The Ford Focus was promoted in The Amazing Race, a reality show featuring 11 teams racing around the world. The Focus was used in a few seasons as the mode of transportation for the racers. In the 18th installment, the 2012 Ford Focus was also used as a prize for the first team that completes a leg of the race.

Motorsports

Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates entered a Ford Focus in the IMSA Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge Street Tuner class in 2014.

Hoonigan Racing Division fields two Ford Focus RS rallycross cars in the 2016 FIA World Rallycross Championship, with drivers Andreas Bakkerud and Ken Block.